Wherever life takes her, Lina Arenas carries compassion with her. Originally from Colombia, she moved to the United States at age 10 and quickly learned the importance of community, not just the one you're born into, but the one you help build. Her mother instilled a philosophy that continues to guide Lina’s life and humanitarian work: your door is always open.

“My mom learned it from her own mother… your door is always open to lend a hand,” she said. “That idea really resonated with me. You never know what people are going through, and sometimes they don’t know how to ask for help. But when you connect with someone, you plant a seed.”

Since joining the Louisiana Region, Lina has cultivated connection and belonging, especially within Latino communities. From supporting military families to deploying to disasters across the country, she’s worked to make Red Cross services more accessible, including building trust with Spanish-speaking residents through a partnership with the local Mexican Consulate in New Orleans.

“Many in the Hispanic community think they don’t qualify for Red Cross services, or that we’re a federal agency,” Lina explained. “That’s one of the biggest misconceptions we’re working to change. We’re here to help, whether it’s a fire in your home or a major disaster.”

During the devastating 2025 wildfires in California, Lina deployed to help open shelters and provide comfort to families displaced by the flames. She also helped recruit Spanish-speaking volunteers so Hispanic residents could better understand the resources available to them.

“There were so many Spanish-speaking families affected,” she recalled. “I remember sitting with evacuees as the fires burned nearby, just listening to their stories and offering reassurance.”

One moment stood out: Lina met a Colombian woman who had reached out to the Red Cross seeking community but believed she couldn’t volunteer because she only spoke Spanish. After connecting with Lina and exchanging stories of their shared heritage, the woman signed up to volunteer, excited to join a welcoming community of Red Crossers in Los Angeles.

“I always try to make people feel at home,” Lina said. “When they feel safe and welcome, they’ll tell their friends and family that the Red Cross is a place where you can get help, or give it.”

Lina’s Red Cross journey began overseas in the United Kingdom, where her husband was stationed with the U.S. military. Looking for a way to give back, she began volunteering with Red Cross services that support military communities. Even as a volunteer, she helped service members who don’t speak English feel seen and supported.

“We have military families who barely speak English but want to serve their country. It means a lot to be able to say ‘thank you for your service’ in their own language,” she said.

In a true full circle, Lina now serves as the Service to the Armed Forces Program Manager for the Louisiana Region. She continues to build bridges, open doors and make people feel at home.

The Red Cross is committed to serving Latino communities, one of the fastest-growing populations in the U.S., by integrating inclusion into every aspect of our mission. To learn more about our Latino Engagement Initiative, click here.

Whether you speak Spanish, have a heart for service, or simply want to make people feel at home, there’s a place for you at the Red Cross. Join us at recross.org/volunteer.